5 Things to Consider Before Doing an R&R (Revise & Resubmit)

Literary agents Jessica Faust and James McGowan discuss the top 5 things you should consider when you receive a request for an R&R (revise & resubmit) from an agent or editor.

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Jessica Faust’s love for books is what first brought her to open BookEnds Literary Agency. It is her desire to be an advocate for all authors that pushed her to create her blog, the BookEnds YouTube channel and to maintain a vibrant presence on Twitter.

Jessica is proud to have grown BookEnds into an agency that represents authors of all genres for children and adults, allowing her to reach more readers and help more authors and illustrators achieve their dreams.

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James McGowan is a Literary Agent at BookEnds and writer for children. He began working with the agency as an intern in the summer of 2015, and basically never left. He represents a talented group of authors and illustrators working in everything from board books to middle grade graphic novels. He also works in adult nonfiction, and adult mystery and suspense projects. James is the author of GOOD NIGHT OPPY, which is available now.

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[celesteturner]

I had an R & R with an editor I did a mentorship class with. After the 2nd round, she decided not to make an offer. There were changes she thought might fit, but I didn't want to go in that direction. Luckily she understood and offered to look at other work whenever I'm ready. I needed to know in advance what parts of my story I felt strongly should be there.

[leenaronalds]

One thing you don't address is when multiple agents have requested your full MS. This is the position I'm in now. I submitted my MS less than a month ago and, within that time, several agents have come back requesting the full MS. One agent read the book in days and wrote back to me saying that, while he loved the first half of my book, he was unmoved by the second half. He gave me copious notes and was very adamant where changes should be made (I'm talking huge structural changes). Very thoughtful of him, of course, to take time out from his busy schedule to comment on my book at such length, especially when there was no agent representation in the offing. I knew, even as I read his notes, that our visions didn't align. In the meantime I'm going to sit tight and see what the other agents who have my full MS think. One of them could come back with a more appealing offer.

[IreensBeans]

Love this! I’ve also heard that editors are starting to do R&Rs for books on sub…what are your thoughts on that?

[calicolover]

If you do the revisions for an R&R, do you have to wait for the agent to be open again to resubmit?

[ravensthatflywiththenightm]

When you reject a manuscript, does it still have a chance at R&R or it's rejected period full stop?

[Beachwriter]

What percentage of R&Rs do you accept?

[rowan]

Have done this with an older work. Even added more chapters and huge changes throughout the book, but sadly, still no bites.
One agent said she loved nearly everything about it but pointed out why she didn't accept it. After I addressed her feedback, I resubmit it again to her. She sadly still rejected it by stating that she couldn't connect with the story but pointed the changes I've addressed. Was really frustrated and disheartened reading her reasons why she still didn't accept it after I addressed her feedback.

[MyMatureStyle]

I wish I had not agreed to do an R&R with no offer. The agent worked with me for 8 months and then did not offer. Never again.